President Chen Shui-bian (
"I hope both sides of the Strait enhance interactions in all fields on the principles of reconciliation, cooperation and peace to seek economic and trade integration and then political integration," Chen said. He spoke while attending a ceremony for the 60th anniversary of the Voice of the Han Broadcasting Network, which is affiliated with the Ministry of National Defense.
Chen, speaking from the network's studio, identified himself as the president and then said he would continue to conduct himself with the most humble attitude and with the determination to lead Taiwan in building a better future. That future, the president said, would allow every person in the land enjoy happiness, hope and human rights.
As far as cross-strait ties are concerned, Chen again sought to reach across the political divide that has separated Taipei and Beijing for more than fifty years.
"And more importantly, we hope that there will be more economy and less politics, more contact and less misunderstanding, more trust and less suppression. We want to be able to put aside controversial political issues and start to create economic and cultural integration to lay the groundwork for mutual trust and interactions," Chen said.
Chen reiterated that the leaders on both sides are responsible for protecting the welfare of the people and therefore, should conquer these difficulties and challenges.
Earlier this year, Chen addressed the Chinese people through Taiwan's Central Broadcasting System, the nation's first president ever to do so. Officials say the broadcast received quite a positive reaction.
"Many people from China wrote in to tell us that they admired President Chen's sincerity," said an official with the minister of national defense's office. "We believe that for this reason, the People's Liberation Army jammed the signal of President Chen's radio address yesterday, making it inaudible in Beijing."
RSS